Top 10 Most Awkward Dinner Scenes in Movies
Script written by Nick Spake
Top 10 Most Awkward Dinner Scenes In Movies
It’s safe to say none of these dinners made it to dessert. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Awkward Dinner Scenes in Movies.
For this list, we’re taking a look at uncomfortable scenes in which characters sit down to have dinner together. We’re focusing on moments that have at least some humor in them, so we’ve excluded ones with a more serious tone, like the dinner scene in “American History X.”
#10: Meet the Blacks
“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” (2013)
We have no idea how Ron Burgundy manages to attract beautiful women like Veronica Corningstone and his temporary girlfriend, Linda. While Ron does have a way with the ladies, meeting the parents is an entirely different story. Having dinner with Linda’s family, Ron is compelled to address the white elephant in the room. He doesn’t make things any better with his stereotypical African American impersonations. Capping things off by calling the family “pipe-hittin’ bitches,” the only thing that could’ve made this scene more awkward is if Ron showed up in black face.
#9: Eating Your Feelings
“Inside Out” (2015)
Emotions run high at this family dinner as young Riley adjusts to her new life in San Francisco. Since Joy and Sadness have left the building, Fear, Disgust, and Anger must run the show. As you can imagine, she doesn’t have the best attitude when her parents try to cheer her up. On top of that, it’s clear Riley’s parents have some issues based on the emotions in their heads. Plus, Mom and Dad aren’t on the same page, which only makes the situation more hostile. At least Dad avoids a disaster by putting his foot down…well, that’s how he sees it anyway.
#8: Meet Dale
“Pineapple Express” (2008)
Dale Denton isn’t exactly a catch. He’s overweight, works a crappy job, and can’t even do a good Jeff Goldblum impression. Besides, no woman could ever take the place of his one true soul mate: drug dealer Saul. So, as you can imagine, Dale doesn’t make the best first impression when he meets the parents of his 18-year-old girlfriend, Angie. In addition to forgetting about their dinner and showing up late, Dale also brings along a trail of murder, drugs, and mayhem. Even Angie has a hard time defending her stoned boyfriend. Of course, things are made infinitely wore with the arrival of Saul.
#7: Table Hopping
“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
Robin Williams was a comedic chameleon who could alternate between two completely different characters in a heartbeat. “Mrs. Doubtfire” took full advantage of Williams’ talent, particularly in this hilarious scene. Daniel Hillard winds up in a classic screwball scenario as he dashes between a business dinner as himself and a birthday dinner as Mrs. Doubtfire. The walls start crumbling when Daniel accidentally sits down at the wrong table in the wrong getup. Believe it or not, he actually manages to spin this mistake in his favor. The mask ultimately comes off, however, when Daniel performs the Heimlich maneuver on his ex-wife’s new boyfriend.
#6: The Perfect Family Christmas
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)
Clark Griswold has the perfect Christmas dreamed up in his head. As the holiday faces one calamity after another, however, he realizes his fantasy is never going to become a reality. It almost looks like Clark is going to share a tender moment with his family upon asking Aunt Bethany to say grace. In her old age, though, she doesn’t even know the difference between a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. The turkey is essentially a metaphor for Clark’s Christmas: promising on the outside, but ultimately leaves a bitter taste. Not even the dog can stomach this meal.
#5: Crotch Crasher
“Wedding Crashers” (2005)
As an experienced wedding crasher, Jeremy knows when to make his move and when to make a break for it. When John drags him along on an extended weekend, though, Jeremy finds himself at the mercy of the deranged Gloria. After getting a taste of Jeremy, this Stage 5 Clinger can’t keep her hands off him. No seriously, she CAN’T keep her hands off him. When Gloria decides to give him a little extra attention during a family dinner, Jeremy is shocked, horrified, and pleasured all at once. He tries his best to remain composed, although he likely would’ve been exposed if John weren’t so good at BS-ing.
#4: Meeting the Parents
“Meet the Parents” (2000)
This scene has pretty much become the textbook example of an awkward dinner. It’s hard to single out the most uncomfortable moment: the Jewish Greg’s attempt at a Christian prayer, Greg’s comment about milking anything with nipples, or Jack’s misguided poem for his deceased mother. The awkward levels go off the charts, however, as Greg knocks over an urn containing Jack’s mom and Jinx the cat urinates all over the remains. You’d think this would be the most awkward part of the entire movie, but somehow things only get worse for Greg from here on.
#3: Poop Party
“Borat” (2006)
Sacha Baron Cohen doesn’t care how shameless a comedy routine sounds or who he offends. All that matters is that it’s funny. Naturally, “Borat” is full of hysterically cringe-inducing moments, especially this scene where cultures and classes clash. Borat demonstrates that his table manners still need some work as he insults his fellow guests. Of course, his table manners are beyond sophisticated compared to his bathroom manners. Everyone is surprisingly tolerant of Borat’s strange customs and inability to use a toilet. However, even they draw the line when he invites a prostitute to dinner.
#2: Meeting Bianca
“Lars and the Real Girl” (2007)
Ryan Gosling is one of the most desired men in the world. As the socially inept Lars, though, Gosling only has eyes for one woman. At first, Gus and Karin are overjoyed to learn Lars has found a lady friend, but they get hit with the ultimate bombshell after learning Bianca is a sex doll. While their instincts tell them to call the loony bin immediately, they decide to go through with dinner first. It’s an uncomfortably quiet meal and not merely because Bianca is the shy type. As awkward as the silence is, things only get more agonizing when Lars tries to make conversation.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Indian Food?
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984)
Edward Serves Dinner
“Edward Scissorhands” (1990)
Dinner Time
“Back to the Future” (1985)
Easter Dinner
“Annie Hall” (1977)
Lose Yourself
“The Break-Up” (2006)
#1: Pass the Asparagus
“American Beauty” (1999)
The Burnhams are a family on the verge of exploding. Every night, Lester, Carolyn, and Jane eat dinner while listening to Lawrence Welk, ignoring just how miserable they all make each other. After Lester suffers a midlife crisis and quits his job, their true feelings can no longer be kept under wraps. Jane is caught in the middle of her parents bickering with her mother trying to maintain a phony grin and her father completely cutting lose. When Lester fails to get any respect or asparagus, the lid is officially blown off.
Do you agree with our list? What dinner scene had you laughing and cringing at the same time? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.